Square Disrupts Japan’s Payments Market with Handy—The Ultra-Compact Mobile POS Powerhouse

Move over, clunky registers—Square just dropped a payments grenade in Japan's retail trenches.

The fintech giant's new Square Handy POS terminal slashes through legacy systems like a katana through red tape. No bigger than a stack of yen notes, it turns any smartphone into a full-fledged checkout counter.

Why Japan? Because cash still rules 50% of transactions here—and Square smells blood in the water. Their play? Arm mom-and-pop shops with the same tools as Omotesando boutiques while skimming 1.75% per swipe (because even disruptors need their vig).

The kicker? It works offline—perfect for when Tokyo's 5G networks get as congested as a Shinjuku subway car. Take that, traditional banks still using fax machines for wire transfers.

Square has launched Square Handy, a compact and durable mobile POS terminal designed for Japan’s digital economy. Weighing just over 300g with an IP54 rating, Square Handy supports payment processing, inventory management, and order acceptance via a 6.2-inch touchscreen. Ideal for busy retail and restaurant environments, it integrates with Square’s POS app for seamless operations. Available now for ¥44,980, the device aims to boost efficiency and flexibility for businesses adapting to cashless, digital-first workflows.